by admin | Mar 31, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Current Issues, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Gift to Cherish is another honestly realistic book that encourages readers to boldly face the giants in their lives with the help of the Lord. Although the story is obviously a contemporary romance, it is so much more. Both the hero and heroine of this tale carry secrets and heavy burdens that prevent them from living their life to the fullest. Fear has led to a strong lack of trust, especially of the opposite sex. The third primary character is an older woman, their employer who has also decided to play matchmaker. Her own past experiences are told alongside the main narrative and adds another layer to it.
I love how the author is unafraid to tackle the tough issues such as addiction, domestic abuse, the dangers of online dating, etc. Her approach is authentic without exaggeration or unnecessary details. It was a pleasure to follow Daisy’s progression as she gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Her loyalty and compassion toward her friends truly made Daisy a character I could love. I look forward to reading the next installment in this excellent series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Daisy Riley arrives in Refuge, Wyoming to live with her brother and his family, she intends to stay forever. The victim of violence in Los Angeles, Daisy craves stability, peace of mind, and safety. Her dreams all come true when lands a job as a personal assistant to Miss Joan Prescott, the owner of Cottonwood Acres, a historic ranch that once served as the set for a famous TV show. A retired college professor, Miss Joan has secrets and stories of her own, including a very unusual project.
Rafe Donovan, a cop from Cincinnati, is haunted by a recurring nightmare about the drug death of his high school sweetheart and his failure to save her. Those nightmares lead Rafe to take leave from the police department, seek help, and shelter in Refuge where he pounds nails for his brother’s construction business. He has no desire to stay in Wyoming. His goal is to get back to being a cop in Ohio as soon as possible. But then he meets Daisy Riley . . . When he finds her stranded late at night with a flat tire, Rafe is instantly impressed by her courage. Daisy is equally impressed by him. Together they navigate the road to love—one that’s complicated by the arrival of Daisy’s troubled best friend, online dating, and the impossible obstacle of 1,600 miles between her home and his.
Author Note: This story is about our current dating culture, including the risks of online dating. It also looks at the social mores of 1970s and how those values impact today’s women.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Bylin is known for tackling tough subjects with great compassion. In 2016, Together With You, a story of grace and healing, won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary Romance. Her other books, including historical westerns, have finaled in the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine’s Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more at victoriabylin.com.
by admin | Mar 30, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
HAPPY VALLEY:
Happy Valley was a delightful book that held my attention until the very end. Its gorgeous Smoky Mountain setting and the well-rounded characters added just the right touch to a warm and moving plot.
Although Happy Valley residents were generally suspicious of newcomers to their area, Walker Logan was regarded as an interloper when he bought a home and built a new store there. Naturally he was the first one many residents suspected for a string of unsolved break ins and thefts. Juliette Hollander, home to help after her grandfather’s heart attack immediately connected with Walker but his mysterious past held her at a distance. One or more mysteries are answered in due course, sometimes with surprising results.
I loved this wonderful story that focuses on secrets, trust, fear, risk-taking, and learning to be exactly who God made you to be.
RETURN TO EDISTO:
Another heart-warming story from author Lin Stepp, Return to Edisto features a young woman who has no choice but to leave her much loved job due to an unpleasant experience with another employee. She packs up and runs to her safe place, the family beach house on Edisto Island. Her first encounter there is with the very man she ran from ten years ago and his sweet and caring demeanor tempts her to renew their relationship but old trust issues die hard.
I very much enjoyed this novel although there were times that Mary Helen tended to exasperate me no end. Her lack of trust and refusal to allow J.T. to explain himself got just a little bit old. And J.T. – was he just a little bit dense or oblivious to what was going on with Mary Helen’s old nemesis?
Return to Edisto is fun to read and has a strong message about trust and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more by this new-to-me author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
HAPPY VALLEY:
Title: Happy Valley
Author: Lin Stepp
Publisher: Mountain Hill Press
Release Date: April 2, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Escape to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in this sweet tale of two young people who meet by chance, their paths soon overlapping and intertwining amid a cast of warm-hearted characters in the small rural community of Happy Valley.
With Grandpa suffering a heart attack, Juliette Hollander saw little choice but to head back to their Tennessee mountain farm in Happy Valley to help out. She didn’t expect, or want, to leave behind her life and work in North Carolina to return to her grandparents’ home so soon. Nor did she imagine meeting, and working with, the mysterious man she met briefly last summer and never thought to see again.
Walker Logan spent the last two years traveling the United States, seeing the beauty of the country and running from his past. But an old rock house he sees while hiking near Abrams Creek Campground unexpectedly calls to his soul. With danger close behind, he never stayed in one place long enough to put down roots. Yet now, with a new vision, he decides to take the risk.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
RETURN TO EDISTO:
Title: Return to Edisto
Series: The Edisto Trilogy #2
Author: Lin Stepp
Publisher: Mountain Hill Press
Release Date: April 2, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Return to Edisto Island in the rich, Lowcountry story of a young woman’s difficult decision to run from threat and danger, changing the course of her well-ordered life and, in turn, the life of the young man who loved and lost her.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery’s early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she’d left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she’d find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.’s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery’s beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he’d find one more chance to try.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, businesswoman and educator. A New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, Lin has eighteen published books, including her twelve beloved Smoky Mountain novels, all set in different Tennessee and North Carolina locations, her newest Mountain Home book, a novella in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies, and two novels in her new Edisto Trilogy, set on the South Carolina coast. Lin and her husband J.L. also write regional guidebooks, including a Smoky Mountain hiking guide and a Tennessee state parks book.
Stepp’s latest 2020 releases are Happy Valley, set in a quiet rural valley near the Smoky Mountains, and Return to Edisto, set at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Lin’s previous title Claire At Edisto was the 2019 Best Books Award Winner in Fiction: Romance, sponsored by American Book Fest, her novel Welcome Back a finalist in the 2017 Selah Awards, and Lin and her husband’s guidebook Discovering Tennessee State Parks a 2019 American Book Fest Best Books Award Finalist in Nonfiction: Travel Guides and Essays.
Lin enjoys speaking for events, festivals, libraries, and book clubs, reading, hiking, exploring out of doors, and keeping up with her readers on Facebook, Twitter, and through her monthly blog and newsletter which you will find on her website at: www.linstepp.com
CONNECT WITH LIN: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Happy Valley & Return to Edisto, matching bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 23, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by admin | Mar 26, 2020 | Books, Historical, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy books by Melody Carlson whether one of her annual Christmas novellas, a contemporary or historical, or even one of her young adult novels. This author has a talent for pulling her readers right into the story as well as the lives of her characters. Her books always contain a message of faith, sometimes subtle and other times in your face. I often wish her young adult books had been around when I was raising a teenage daughter. Turning Tide is the fourth book in Carlson’s historical The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. Rumor has it that it is also the final book of the series. I have not read all four books due to time limitations but thoroughly enjoyed the two I have had a chance to read. I hope to find time to catch up on the other two very soon.
With a setting along the Oregon coast during World War 1, the story features newspaper editor Anna, her daughter Katy, and other members of their extended family plus several close friends. Both Katy’s husband and Anna’s fiance are overseas serving in the war, leaving the women to manage things at home. Anna and Katy were very strong women who capably ran their own businesses. The narrative provides readers with a glimpse of everyday life during the war that includes hardships, joys, and sorrows experienced by the citizens of Sunset Cove.
I found this book to be of particular interest as I read it during our own enforced shelter at home for the current Covid-19 virus pandemic. The chapters that described the rumors of and the area’s experience with the Spanish Flu near the end of the war were almost frighteningly familiar yet encouraging too. I enjoyed Turning Tide and recommend it and the rest of the series to those who enjoy historical fiction or even those who just love a good book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Turning Tide
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: Feb 15, 2020
Click here for your copy! |
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As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
MORE FROM MELODY:
Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, March 16
For the Love of Literature, March 16
Through the Fire Blogs, March 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Inklings and notions, March 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18
deb’s Book Review, March 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19
By The Book, March 19
Wishful Endings, March 19
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
She Lives To Read, March 20
Betti Mace, March 21
Remembrancy, March 21
janicesbookreviews, March 22
Mary Hake, March 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
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For Him and My Family, March 23
Maureen’s Musings, March 24
My Devotional Thoughts, March 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24
Christian Bookaholic, March 25
Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Older & Smarter?, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27
Blogging With Carol, March 27
Daysong Reflections, March 27
SPLASHES of Joy, March 28
Vicky Sluiter, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Pause for Tales, March 29
For the Love of Books, March 29 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e9/turning-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble’s books have been on my must read list for several years but I believe she has outdone herself with One Little Lie. This novel grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. With a convoluted plot where almost every character was suspect at one time or another and every one of them had secrets, the story had me on the edge of my seat much of the time. I certainly did not want to put it down until I finished it.
As always, the author has created characters that are easy to love and to identify with, characters who struggle with trust and faith just like we all do. Each and every chapter builds layer upon layer with unexpected twists and turns and surprises around every corner. A gripping tale with the perfect touch of romance, One Little Lie is a must read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Two Reasons to Run. Take my advice and do not miss this one if you are a fan of Christian suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: One Little Lie
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Click here to get your copy. |
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It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.
Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she’s facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.
After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?
Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane’s career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.
Jane finds herself depending on Reid’s calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. You can visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
BLOG STOPS:
| Back Porch Reads, March 10
Life of Literature, March 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10
Texas Book-aholic, March 10
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 11
The Avid Reader, March 11
Lighthouse Academy, March 11
By The Book, March 12
Older & Smarter?, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, March 12
Remembrancy, March 12
Betti Mace, March 13
April Hayman, Author, March 13
Emily Yager, March 13
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
deb’s Book Review, March 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 15
Inklings and notions, March 15
CarpeDiem, March 15
Christian Bookaholic, March 15
Just the Write Escape, March 16
For Him and My Family, March 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 16
Robin’s Nest, March 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 17 |
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 17
Stories By Gina, March 18
Janicesbookreviews, March 18
Mary Hake, March 18
Empowermoms, March 18
For the Love of Literature, March 19
Blossoms and Blessings, March 19
Because I said so – and other adventures in Parenting, March 19
Hallie Reads, March 19
A Baker’s Perspective, March 20
Quiet Quilter, March 20
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Splashes of Joy, March 21
Moments, March 21
amandainpa, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21
Pause for Tales, March 22
Britt Reads Fiction, March 22
Spoken from the Heart, March 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 22
To Everything There is a Season, March 23
Life love writing, March 23
Daysong Reflections, March 23
Lights in a Dark World, March 23 |
*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour
by admin | Mar 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Angela Ruth Strong’s The CafFunated Mysteries series has been a real treat thus far. A Latte Difficulty continues the adventures of Marissa and Tandy, unlikely friends who run a small-town coffee and tea establishment. Once again they find themselves smack dab in the middle of another mystery and Marissa’s wedding plans are interrupted in order to protect her life that everyone believes has been threatened.
As always Marissa’s tendency toward clumsiness offers readers frequent laughable moments. Tandy’s attempts to run the shop alone while Marissa is in hiding also adds some touches of humor. She manages to recruit a new friend who seems to be a blessing from God – but is he?
A Latte Difficult was a fun read from beginning to end with the aforementioned humor along with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to who-done-it and why. Don’t miss this delightful series but I suggest you begin with book one to get the whole story.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can two baristas track down a gunman after the espresso shot heard ‘round the world?
When Marissa witnesses an attempted murder during the 4th of July parade, it starts a battle for her independence. She is forced to hide out in a safehouse, leaving her co-owner, Tandy, to run their coffee shop, track down the criminal, and, worse, plan Marissa’s wedding. Thankfully Tandy has help, but can she really trust the P.I. in a bow tie, her new deaf barista who acts more like a bartender, or a wedding planner who’s keeping secrets?
The threat on Marissa’s future goes from bad to worse when her bridal gown is covered in blood. Though her fiancé, Connor, agrees to give up his identity to join her in the Witness Protection Program, Marissa refuses to wave the white flag. Instead, she enlists Tandy to help her fight for truth, justice, and the Americano way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Get to know her even better at www.angelaruthstrong.com.
